Cooling Module Mounting Interface for Replaceable Fixing Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and variability of vehicle architectures hinder the standardization of cooling modules, leading to increased assembly costs and maintenance expenses, particularly due to the integral fixing fingers which require replacing the entire radiator upon damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an intermediate part with a retaining portion and a finger that projects laterally, allowing the collector box to be mounted on a fixing element, enabling standardization and simplifying assembly, while also being designed to absorb impact, allowing for easier and less costly maintenance by replacing only the intermediate part instead of the entire radiator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the fixing finger is made integral with the collector box from the same material, then the structural strength is improved, but the maintenance cost increases because the entire radiator must be replaced when the finger breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing finger is separated from the collector box and implemented as an independent intermediate part that can be replaced separately. This segmentation allows the finger to be manufactured from different materials optimized for its specific function (softer material that deforms first in collisions) while the collector box maintains its structural integrity, enabling cost-effective maintenance by replacing only the finger rather than the entire radiator assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate fixing finger is designed as a sacrificial, replaceable component made from a softer material that is intended to deform or break first during impacts. This disposable approach protects the more expensive collector box and radiator core, allowing maintenance through simple finger replacement rather than complete assembly replacement
2Device complexity
If the manifold is directly attached to the radiator core, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different vehicle architectures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate fixing part is introduced between the manifold and the fixing element, serving as an adaptable interface. This intermediate component can be configured with different finger geometries, lengths, and attachment characteristics to accommodate various vehicle architectures and mounting positions, while the manifold itself maintains a standardized design that can be directly attached to the radiator core
3Ease of manufacture
If the fixing finger is made from the same material as the collector box, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the safety in pedestrian impact protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing finger is manufactured from a different material than the collector box, specifically a softer material that is optimized for its protective function. This local quality change allows the finger to deform first during pedestrian impacts, absorbing energy and reducing injury risk, while the harder collector box material maintains structural integrity for its primary cooling function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces costs by enabling standardized radiators, simplifying assembly, and facilitating safer and more economical maintenance by allowing only the intermediate part to be replaced in case of damage, while providing a robust and ergonomic fixing system.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable tab arranged to cooperate with the lug in order to maintain the assembled position of the intermediate part and the reservoir
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cooling module (1) for a motor vehicle, the cooling module (1) comprising a radiator, at least one collection container which is attached to the radiator, an element for attaching the collection container to the vehicle, the cooling module further comprising an intermediate piece for attaching the collection container to the attachment element, the intermediate piece comprising a retention portion; the collection container comprising a housing which is arranged to cooperate with the retention portion of the intermediate piece in order to attach the intermediate piece to the collection container in an assembled position.